Every Superman Movie But They Get Less Super As The Video Goes On

Every Superman Movie But They Get Less Super As the Video Goes On

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today were ranking movies where Superman plays a major role from most to least super. Were excluding straight-to-video releases and the first two film serials.

Superman (1978)

Over 45 years later, Richard Donners Superman remains the gold standard. Not only did the effects make audiences believe a man could fly, but the casting still makes us believe these iconic characters are real. Christopher Reeve is Superman, Margot Kidder is Lois Lane, and Gene Hackman is Lex Luthor, despite refusing to shave his head. The film certainly isnt without corny moments, not to mention lapses in logic like reversing time by spinning the Earth backward. Yet, this was arguably the first superhero movie to take its subject seriously, as Clark Kent grapples with being an outsider on a foreign planet, sacrificing his personal happiness for the sake of humanity, and not being able to save everyone even with all his powers.

Superman II (1980)

Although roughly 75% was already in the can, Richard Donner was infamously kicked off Superman II with Richard Lester reshooting much of the footage. Despite the chaotic production, the theatrical version and The Richard Donner Cut, released in 2006, both have their merits. Whichever you prefer, this sequel continues to flesh out Superman as a character, presenting the moral quandary of giving up his powers and responsibilities in the name of love. Of course, this occurs just as Superman faces his greatest physical challenge yet in General Zod, played by the great Terence Stamp. Like its predecessor, the ending is another copout, this time sealing the deal with a memory-wiping kiss. It still wouldve been a better note to go out on than what followed.

Zack Snyders Justice League (2021)

Where both versions of Superman II are worth examining, this is one directors cut that completely eclipses what theatergoers got. Following a years-long fan campaign, Zack Snyder delivered a herculean epic for those who never lost faith. Above all else, Snyder made a film for his daughter Autumn, whose tragic death initially pulled him away from the project. In addition to capturing the gravitas missing from the theatrical cut, Snyder restores essential character development for Cyborg, Steppenwolf, and yes, Superman. The black suit not only symbolizes Supermans resurrection, but the revitalization of an artist at last bringing their vision into fruition. It sadly couldnt revive the DCEU, instead marking the beginning of the end. What a triumphant note for Snyder to go out on, though.

Man of Steel (2013)

Polarizing upon release, Man of Steel set a tone for the divisive DCEU. Looking back over a decade later, the films strengths are also its weaknesses. While a darker, more grounded take on Superman is refreshing, much of the optimism and hope associated with the character is sacrificed. The film contains possibly the most mind-blowing action sequences in Supermans filmography, taking advantage of modern technology and the titular characters phenomenal powers. Its friggin awesome until you consider the countless civilian lives endangered and trillions in damage caused. We wouldnt mind so much if Superman ever reflected on his reckless actions, but even after breaking his nemesis neck, he quickly brushes it off. The results are more concerned with looking cool than understanding who Superman is.

Superman Returns (2006)

This long-delayed sequel sets itself in the same continuity as the Christopher Reeve movies, ignoring everything after Superman II. The admiration for those first two films is on full display, and a handful of action sequences stand out. To get to these highlights, though, we need to sit through numerous needlessly drawn-out moments. We could forgive the slower pacing if we were more invested in the characters, but despite the best efforts of Brandon Routh and Kate Bosworth, both look like theyre cosplaying as Superman and Lois Lane. The only actor who hits their mark is Kevin Spacey, who is equally funny and menacing as Lex Luthor. That said, his presence also brings an uncomfortable factor now. Did we mention Bryan Singer directed this, too?

Superman and the Mole Men (1951)

Predating Richard Donners film by almost three decades, this feature saw George Reeves don the cape for the first time. At only 58 minutes, it was essentially a proof of concept for the subsequent TV series, later being re-edited into a two-parter. While Reeves naturally charms as Superman, there surprisingly isnt much of him here. More focus is given to the titular Mole Men, who are apparently so frightening that they give people heart attacks. Of course, they look more like Munchkins wearing footy pajamas and bald caps. The true villains are the ignorant townsfolk, who dont take kindly to Mole (or Super) Men. Although a product of its time, there is a campy, B-movie appeal for those in the right frame of mind.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

Were not gonna act like Batman v Superman isnt without good elements, namely Ben Afflecks Bruce Wayne. Even with the directors cut fixing some issues, though, lets be honest. This bleak, convoluted crossover gets more wrong than right, especially concerning Superman. We wanna see these heroes clash because of their differing ideologies. Having Superman be gloomier than Batman misses the point. This cinematic universe introduces The Death of Superman arc way too early, removing any dread that he wont come back. Lois is again reduced to a damsel who repeatedly gets herself into stupid situations. Oh, and Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor? Even this movies most outspoken apologists know this was a misfire that sadly couldve worked if Eisenberg channeled Mark Zuckerberg, a real-life Lex.

Justice League (2017)

At first, some were lenient toward Justice League, feeling the film wasnt as bad as it couldve been given the disastrous production. The longer we let the movie sit, though, the clearer it became just how messy this bomb was, especially compared to the superior Snyder Cut. Joss Whedon mightve directed the first two Avengers movies, but he was the wrong choice to fill Snyders shoes. Allegations of his toxic on-set behavior aside, Whedons quippy dialogue and lighthearted approach dont mesh with the darker tone Snyder established. The outcome is a Frankensteins monster of a movie, comprised of pieces that dont go together with several critical aspects left on the cutting room floor. Superman may suffer the most, his presence here being defined by mustachegate.

Superman III (1983)

The shark jumping point for Christopher Reeves tenure, this third installment is torn between being a Superman movie and a slapstick comedy starring Richard Pryor, who unfortunately brings none of his comedic genius. Pryors Gus Gorman overshadows Superman, who does have an interesting subplot concerning his dark side. Even thats mainly played for laughs, however. Its Spider-Man 3 before Spider-Man 3, although with slightly less dancing. As for other key characters, Ma Kent is unceremoniously killed off-screen, Lois is lazily sent to Bermuda, and Lex Luthor is replaced with this bland substitute, who - to his credit - gets the only funny line: I ask you to kill Superman and youre telling me you couldnt even do that one simple thing. As little Ricky says, Superman was in a slump, but could the next film turn things around? Can you survive skiing off a skyscraper?

Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

With costs significantly reduced, Superman IV possesses the worst effects in this quadrilogy. While the budget accounts for the cheap production values, that doesnt excuse baffling story choices like Clark revealing his secret identity to Lois (again) only to erase her memory (again), Superman ridding the world of nuclear weapons with little political pushback, the destruction of those weapons creating a fully-grown, fully-dressed Nuclear Man who randomly becomes obsessed with Clarks new love interest (who can breathe in space), and the presence of Jon Cryer as Lenny Luthor. Superman himself is reduced to a blank slate who can do whatever the screenwriters make up. Reeve tries, but hes lost in what would unfortunately be a final curtain with no drama, laughs, or purpose to exist.

Whats your Superman rank, and where did you think James Gunns film will place? Let us know in the comments.